Imo Businesswoman Arrested For Brutal Assault On Six-Year-Old Maid

The Imo State Police Command has arrested 38-year-old businesswoman, Juliet Igwe, for allegedly torturing her six-year-old maid, Onyinyechi, using candle flame, hot water, and melted wax.

According to the police, Igwe burned the girl’s private parts with a candle, poured hot water that peeled the skin off both her hands, and scalded other parts of her body with candle wax.

Parading the suspect in Owerri, Police spokesperson Henry Okoye said officers from the Ideato North Division acted on credible intelligence to apprehend her. He also praised the Stand for Human Rights Foundation, led by activist journalist Chidiebube Okeoma, for alerting authorities and aiding the arrest.

Okoye condemned the assault as “despicable and unacceptable,” adding that the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, had ordered a thorough investigation by the State CID, with the suspect set to face charges once inquiries are complete.

During questioning, Igwe admitted to the abuse but claimed she didn’t realise candle wax or hot water would cause serious injury. She accused the child of stealing meat from her pot, saying she beat her “to prevent future incidents.”

Okeoma explained that his organisation received reports of the abuse in Uruala, Ideato North LGA, rescued the child, handed her over to police, and supported the arrest of the suspect.

He said the foundation has taken responsibility for the child’s treatment, moving her to Imo State University Medical Centre for urgent care. He thanked Dr. Uche Ewelike of the State Health Insurance Agency for approving full free medical treatment, and the Police Commissioner for swiftly transferring the case to the State CID for expedited investigation.